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Interest Group

An organized group of people with shared goals that seeks to influence public policy without running candidates for office

Political Party

An organization that seeks to win elections and control government by nominating candidates

Difference Between Parties and Interest Groups

Parties aim to win elections and govern; interest groups aim to influence policy regardless of who wins

Growth of Interest Groups

Increased government activity, economic growth, social movements, and improved communication technology

Unequal Distribution of Resources

Some interest groups have more money, members, and access, giving them greater influence over policy

Free Rider Problem

When individuals benefit from an interest group’s work without joining or contributing

Iron Triangle

A close relationship between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that dominate policy making

Elite Theory

The theory that a small group of wealthy and powerful individuals dominates the political system

Pluralist Theory

The theory that political power is distributed among many competing interest groups

Hyperpluralist Theory

The theory that too many interest groups lead to gridlock and ineffective government

Lobbying

Direct interaction with lawmakers to influence legislation or policy

Ratings Game

Interest groups score politicians based on voting records to influence future behavior

Electioneering

Efforts by interest groups to influence elections through endorsements, funding, or voter mobilization

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organization that raises and donates money to political candidates to gain access and influence

Grassroots Mobilization

Influencing policy by encouraging large numbers of citizens to contact public officials

Litigation

Using the court system to influence policy or challenge laws

Amicus Curiae Brief

A “friend of the court” brief filed by an interest group to provide information or arguments in a court case

Revolving Door

The movement of individuals between government positions and lobbying or interest group jobs

Media

The means of mass communication that inform the public and influence political opinions

Functions of the Media

Informing the public, acting as a watchdog, setting the agenda, and providing a forum for debate

Agenda Setting

The media’s ability to influence what issues the public thinks are important

Adversarial Press

Media that actively investigates and challenges government officials

Prior Restraint

Government action that prevents the publication of information before it occurs

New York Times v. United States

Supreme Court case that ruled prior restraint unconstitutional, protecting press freedom

Libel

False and damaging statements published about a person

Confidentiality of Sources

The protection of anonymous sources used by journalists

Gatekeeper

The media’s role in deciding which stories are reported

Scorekeeper

The media’s role in tracking elections, polls, and political performance

Watchdog

The media’s role in investigating and exposing government wrongdoing

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Government agency that regulates radio, television, and other communications

Equal Time Rule

Requirement that broadcasters provide equal airtime to political candidates

Fairness Doctrine

Former FCC rule requiring balanced coverage of controversial issues; no longer in effect

Media Consolidation

The concentration of media ownership into fewer companies